The functions of the Chief Magistrate under this Act are as follows:

(a) to ensure that a State coronial system is administered and operated efficiently;

(b) to oversee and co-ordinate coronial services;

(c) to ensure that all reportable deaths reported to a coroner are investigated;

(d) to ensure that an inquest is held whenever the Chief Magistrate considers it is desirable to do so and whenever an inquest is required by this Act to be held;

(e) to ensure that an autopsy is performed whenever the Chief Magistrate considers it is desirable to do so;

(f) to ensure that all fires and explosions that occur in this State are investigated whenever the Chief Magistrate considers that it is desirable to do so and whenever it is required by this Act;

(g) to issue guidelines to coroners to assist them to carry out their duties;

(h) to co-ordinate and allocate work between coroners;

(i) such other functions as are imposed on the Chief Magistrate under this Act.